The dynamics of Aikido's techniques Due to the dynamic nature of Aikido, most experts say that there are

no definite "styles" or "techniques" in practicing the martial art. After the development o f aikido by Morihei Ueshiba, called "O Sensei," many students were inspired to t rain under his tutelage. After their training, the Great Teacher encouraged his students to put up their own dojos so they can spread the tenets of his martial art. Aside from encouragi ng them to set up dojos and share the knowledge he taught, he also inspired them to develop their own styles and interpretations as long as these techniques adh ere to the basic principle of aikido, "not fighting force with force." The aikido founder reiterates this principle over and over again because the tec hniques of aikido, when applied without care, can damage or kill instead of dive rting or immobilizing the opponent. With the emergence of various dojos all over the world, more and more techniques were born. Despite the differences in techniques in various dojos, there is a s et of the common techniques in which almost all dojos use. Each of this techniqu e is carefully taught to the student so he or she can discover its strengths and weaknesses. Although most people say that there should be no superior or inferior technique, only the student or the individual practicing it can truly tell which technique works well for him or her. Here is a list of the most common aikido techniques practiced by almost all aikido practitioners in dojos today: 1. "Ikkyo". Also known as the "first technique," ikkyo refers to the control exe rcised using only one hand on the elbow and the other one on near the wrist that leverages "uke" to the ground. This technique uses a grip that can apply pressu re into the ulnar nerve on the medial side of the person's arm. 2. "Nikyo". This is referred to as the "second technique." Nikyo involves the us e of an adductive wristlock that loops the arm while applying painful nerve pres sure. 3. "Sankyo". This is also called the "third technique." Sankyo is known as a "pr onating" technique that directs upward-spiraling pressure throughout the person' s arm, elbow, and shoulder. 4. "Yonkyo". Is also popular as the "fourth technique." Just like iikkyo, yonko is also a shoulder control but with requires the use of both hands in gripping t he forearm. The practitioner's knuckles usually from the palm side are applied to th e opponent's radial nerve against the forearm bone. 5. "Gokyo". This refers to a variant of ikkyo where the hand that grips the wris t is inverted. Also known as the "fifth technique," gokyo is common in tanto and other weapon take-aways. 6. "Shihonage". Here, the practitioner's hand is folded back past the shoulder a nd locks the shoulder joint. This aikido technique is also called the "four-dire ction throw." 7. "Kotegaeshi". This is popularly called the "wrist return." This aikido techni que is a characterized by a supinating wristlock-throw, which stretches the pers on's extensor digitorum. 8. "Kokyunage". In English, this is translated to "breath throw." This term is c oined for various types of flowing "timing throws" in duration of any aikido ses

sion. 9. "Iriminage". For aikido practitioners, this is known as the "entering-body th row" or throws where "nage" moves through the space occupied by "uke." This is c onsidered as a classic form that resembles the "clothesline" technique. 10. "Tenchinage". A.k.a. the "heaven-and-earth throw." This technique involves t he "uke" grabbing both wrists of the "nage." Moving forward, the nage sweeps one hand low ("earth") and the other high ("heaven"), so he or she can unbalance th e uke.